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EAR INFECTIONS: CAUSES AND THE
CHIROPRACTIC SOLUTION

Dr. Scott Fuller, D.C., C.C.S.T.

More and more parents and pediatricians are noticing that ear infections in babies and children are responding well to chiropractic care, but unfortunately the neurological effects of chiropractic care on ear infections are not commonly known.

First of all, drainage of the middle ear is via the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the throat. The opening and closing of the Eustachian tube is regulated partly by the tensor veli palatini muscle. The neurological control dictating contraction and relaxation of this muscle comes from neurons in the trigeminal motor nucleus, and these neurons follow the pathway of the mandibular branch of cranial nerve V, the trigeminal nerve. If these neurons are in a sustained higher excitability state, the resultant increased impulses stimulating the tensor veli palatini muscle will hold the muscle in an increased contracted state (spasm). This situation may close off the Eustachian tube, not allowing proper drainage of the middle ear. Fluid backs up, inflammation results, and the fluid may become infected, resulting in an ear infection.

An increased excitability of the neurons of the trigeminal motor nucleus may occur when there is a decrease in the firing of joint nerve endings (mechanoreceptors), especially of the upper cervical spine (neck). Joint dysfunction (subluxation) of the upper cervical spine is an extremely common result of "normal" childbirth, but when extraction techniques are used during the birth process, the chance of spinal joint dysfunction increases. The spinal joint dysfunction (subluxation) decreases the firing of joint mechanoreceptors, which leads to a decreased frequency of firing of neurons in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways. The brain (cortex) has modulating effects on many systems, including the autonomic nervous system (organs, glands) and parts of the muscular system. If the cortex loses mechanoreceptive input from dysfunctional spinal joints, it loses proper stimulation that would lead to proper modulation of autonomic and muscular systems. Losing proper modulation of the trigeminal motor nucleus could lead to spasm of the tensor veli palatini muscle, closing off the Eustachian tube.

The autonomic nervous system, regulated by a brain center called the hypothalamus, controls the organs and tissues of the immune system. Modulating effects on the hypothalamus comes from the cortex and thalamus. Dysfunction of spinal joints leads to a decreased firing of neurons of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways. This can adversely affect the hypothalamus, leading to a decrease in the immune response of a child, making them more susceptible to illness and infection, including ear infections.

Dairy products are a major cause of ear infections. Many doctors and researchers are in agreement with this fact. If you are serious about treating and preventing ear infections (and asthma and hyperactivity), then significant reduction or removal of dairy products from the diet is essential.

The job of a chiropractor is to locate and correct spinal joint dysfunctions if they exist. Using gentle, specific techniques, the chiropractic adjustment will restore normal joint mobility and biomechanics, which will increase mechanoreception to improve the firing of neurons in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways. This leads to a healthier output by the cortex, hypothalamus, and trigeminal motor nucleus, which may improve immune response and decrease spasm of the tensor veli palatini, allowing for better middle ear drainage via the eustachian tube. Even if the child shows no signs of spinal pain, the joint dysfunctions can still be present.

Antibiotics are less effective and are under increasing criticism as a viable treatment for ear infections. Children given antibiotics have an increased chance of having future infections. Tympanostomy (tubes) is also extremely controversial, with inherent risks. Parents and pediatricians should entertain other conservative treatments for ear infections to reduce and avoid antibiotic usage and tympanostomy, if possible. Because the function of the cerebral cortex is under the direct influence of the nerve sensors in the spinal joints and surrounding soft tissues, and spinal joint dysfunctions can occur at an early age, it is imperative to address spinal problems to help babies and children with ear infections, ADD, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

If you, your children, or someone you know suffers from ear infections, and would like more information, call Dr. Fuller at 781-933-3332, or e-mail at questions@drscottfuller.com.

Please pass this information along to your medical physicians, pediatricians, family and friends.

Created by: Dr. Scott Fuller, D.C., C.C.S.T.
Fuller Chiropractic
576 Main Street
Woburn, MA 01801

(781) 933-3332

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